Genitalic Studies of Four Species of Family (Sphingidae: Lepidoptera) from Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Spinix moth commonly known as Hawk moth because of their wing pattern and fast flight which resembled with hawk. Family Sphingidae divided into two subfamilies, Sphinginae and Macroglossinae. Four known species of family Sphingidae first time reported from Sindh Pakistan on the basis of genital characters, earlier there was no any genital work has been done on these species in study localities. Main purpose of this study is to dissect their genitalia for showing relationship among them. Four species of hawk moth (Psilogramma increta, Acheronta styx, Hyles livornica, and Dephnis neri) belonging to two sub families Sphinginae and Macroglossinae were selected for genital dissection. Specimens of these four species of family Sphingidae collected and deposited in Laboratory of Entomology, Department of Zoology University of Sindh Jamshoro. Simple method of dissection applied for genital dissection, abdomen of moths removed from body and boiled in 10% KOH solution for 30 minutes for softening, then soften abdomen washed in distilled water. All scales of moths removed by using camel brush, male female genital organs separated by fine forceps and needles. Genitalia examined under Stereoscopic Binocular microscope with the attachment of digital camera, for their identification. As result there was difference and similarities found in genital structures of these four species. Two species of Subfamily Sphinginae, Psilogramma increta and Acherontia styx shows similarity in genital structures, while Hyles livornica and Dephnis. neri of subfamily Macroglossinae also share some genital characters. These similarities in genital structure show taxonomic relationship among these species because of same habit and habitat.